Baby Watch: The Second Trimester

April 19, 2017

And just like that, the second trimester is over. A tiny little human has been growing inside of me for 27 weeks and something strange happened along the way: I found out that I kind of love being pregnant.

Who is this person?! I don’t recognize her.

It’s true, I never thought that I’d be someone who has enjoyed being pregnant so much and I realize this is in large part due to the fact that we’ve had a fairly smooth pregnancy so far (**knocks vigorously on wood**). But for the first time in a long time, I feel comfortable in my own skin…even if it is growing and stretching at alarming rates. Every day there’s something new to experience, something new to Google, and something new to share with Josh. My priorities have already shifted and all that time I used to spend on meaningless mind chatter is replaced with curiosity, learning, and sometimes, freaking out about stuff that actually matters. The experience consumes you, but in the best way possible.

While I’ve had my fair share of both highs and lows, overall I felt more like my normal self in the second trimester, just eating more, running less, and hanging out with a new little sidekick. I still cannot get over this.

THERE IS A TINY HUMAN INSIDE OF ME. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?!

(Wait, we all know the answer to that.)

As we move into the third trimester, I can feel myself slowing down and new limits being set. Things are chafing that didn’t use to touch, going up the stairs is becoming a “thing,” and there’s no such thing as an easy yoga flow. We’ll see what happens in this home stretch, but I’m excited to find out.

And to the little man, we already love you so much. Prepare to be smothered.

Let’s take a look back.

Baby’s Size: At 28 weeks, the internet averages say he’s clocking in at 2 1/4 lbs., 15 inches long, and as big as a freaking eggplant (or a tiny chihuahua). My hunch is that he’s already well beyond that.

Second Trimester Highlights: Too many to count! From getting to see him as a real little human in our second ultrasounds, the gender reveal, and our babymoon in Hawaii, to running a great little 5K, really “popping,” having almost every stranger guess that it’s a boy because I’m so “pointy,” spending time with my mom, finishing our childbirth classes, taking the hospital tour, buying a new car to keep the little man safe, and spin and coffee dates with Josh (that we are savoring while we still can). There definitely wasn’t a shortage of things to celebrate.

Feeling: Overall, good. I had some less than ideal blood work come back that we’re addressing (and I’m currently overanalyzing), and I’ve had my days where I would come home from work and pass out for hours, but overall everything is still moving along well. And for those days when I’m just grumpy AF, sorry about that husband. Now make me some pancakes!

Loving: Movements. I describe his timely 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. movements as “thumping” that Josh can see and feel. Sometimes he wiggles around, other times he rolls, but his squirming hasn’t yet become uncomfortable. My favorite part of every day is when Josh reads to him and we just feel, watch, oooh, and ahhh. We have our rituals and I almost break out in tears every time. Now that’s good hopping.

We’ve also been attending child birth classes and did the official hospital tour which have helped set my mind at ease. Not because it looks easy (it’s terrifying!), but because we’ll go in with a better understanding of what happens, the process, and having some education under our belts. Josh tells me I ask too many questions in class, but I’m pretty sure that I didn’t pay good money just to Google my unanswered questions. So yes, I’m that person.

Hating: Being away from my family. While my mom has come to visit a couple of times, I wish I could share more of this journey with them on a daily basis. Thankfully, we have the internet and unlimited data so I can annoy them on a regular basis. Also, my impatience for people has slightly (ok, ok, greatly) increased. Again, my apologies in advance for the onslaught of snark that anyone may experience at any given moment.

Sweating: Still moving! While it’s not a regimented plan, I’m still “moving” 6-7 days a week, even if it is just spinning my legs with no resistance. From spinning, running, lifting, and yoga-ing, the variety is plentiful, the intensity is mild, and I’m pretty sure I have all of this to thank for maintaining my sanity. Running has maxed out at about 3-4 miles, 2-3 times a week, usually around 8:45 – 9:30 paces. I have to admit though…I am already incredibly anxious to start training again. Race suggestions please!

Wearing: Everything from my maternity wardrobe essentials, plus a fun little collection of dresses. It’s a limited closet, but it’s all I really need. Just a few simple pieces that I love. I also bit the bullet and bought a few nursing bras. Have any favorite nursing gear? Please send suggestions my way.

Looking Forward To: Seeing what the third trimester has in store for us! With the baby shower, newborn classes, breastfeeding classes, CPR classes, potentially moving, getting the nursery set up, tackling an ever-growing to-do list, and so much more, it’s going to be hectic and thrilling all at once.

And ultimately, we get to meet him.

Even typing that leaves me a bit in disbelief. And that reminds me…we really should land on a name, shouldn’t we?

P.S. If the daily nuances are of any interest at all, be sure to follow me on Instagram where I’m currently doing a photo a day challenge and post ridiculousness on Insta Stories.

Comments

Wow! You’re doing so great! I think 28 weeks is when time started moving pretty quickly for me. You see so much progress each day from here on out. I love your 6-7 days of movement goal.

Nursing suggestions- while not my normal go-to, Gap has a selection of nursing items that can stretch to fit 38 weeks and snap back to fit pre-pregnancy weight. No clue how they do it, but hallelujah. Also, bras- Hotmilk has some good options in a wide variety of sizes that are easy to operate while juggling phones at work and pumping or in the middle of the night. Bonus, they go on sale every other week it seems.

Thank you so much for the sweet words. I can’t believe we are already here! I’ll definitely check out the Gap and Hotmil selection. Thank you for the advice as I hadn’t heard of Hotmilk yet. And I do love myself a sale 😉

You are one of my favorite pregnant women ever! Your bump is so cute and you are just so HAPPY! This post sums up what I loved about pregnancy and thank you for writing it as I contemplate getting pregnant again in the somewhat near future, it’s a good reminder of just how awesome it can be (I seem to keep remembering the debilitating nausea instead of all these good things). And of course the first time is the best, so I’m glad you’re savoring every moment, including those one on one moments with Josh.

So happy for you friend!

PS I see the major pop at 24 weeks! It’s always fun to see when they have growth spurts!

Awe, thank you, Nicole! I can only imagine that when the time comes to think of baby number two, it’s easy to wear the rose-colored glasses. I’m excited for you!!! And thanks for the sweet words — this kid is straight POPPIN’ now!

I wouldn’t buy too many nursing bras because they’ll change again once your milk comes in! I highly suggest some nursing pajamas and a robe I loved having decent pajamas for the hospital, after the delivery and once I was finally able to shower, and for at home. Made me feel a bit more put together. I wasn’t a diva at the hospital but when I was able to get out of the hospital gain it felt great! Good luck with the last trimester and enjoying this time with it as just of the two of you. I’m the mom of 2 boys and love it but they never stop moving!

My MIL gave me cute pair from motherhood that I used for both pregnancies. I got another pair at Kohls online for myself and my SIL (we were pregnant at the same time) and I got them for only $27 and they were great too. I normally don’t like Kohl’s but the maternity stuff wasn’t bad. I also got pajama pants a size up at target and nursing tanks and just used the same robe. I was in the hospital for longer since I had 2 c sections and I wanted to have enough clothes.

As a fellow runner (and new mom 8 months in!) I so enjoy your updates. I’m chiming in on this one because I wish someone had given me advice about nursing clothes… and sports bras. As far as tops go, I love having about 5 basic nursing tank tops with built-in shelf bras (motherhood maternity’s are perfectly good). I wear them under everything (t-shirts, sweaters, etc.) which is handy when you need to nurse in public or in the car and you don’t want your stomach totally exposed (not that you should be ashamed of your post partum stomach, I’m kind of just a never nude, lol). I recommend a couple comfy, no wire, sleep nursing bras and/or a pajama nursing tank (no shelf) for easy nighttime nursing and your own comfort (suuuper sore boobs = you’ll want as soft and unconfining clothes as possible!). Lastly, the post partum sports bra. Oh it is crucial. You may want to wait until you’re ready to run again to get one (or who knows maybe you’ve got one that’ll work), but I really had no idea how awful running in my normal bra would be 8 weeks out. Something super supportive and sturdy… preferably padded (in the event your window to run occurs when, well, your breasts are full, ha… yeah) will do the trick.